Classic Israel tour
8 Days Starting in 32.066158,34.777821 and ending in 31.768319,35.213710
Visiting: Israel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
176
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 45
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This comprehensive Classical Israel tour will take you on a journey that will have you experiencing the country’s rich history - past and present, as well as its people and diverse cultures.
On this tour you’ll have the chance to witness iconic sites of country, such as Jerusalem’s Old City, Nazareth and Bethlehem – ride the cable car to the fortress of Masada and float at the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea – and more.
In the north of the country, visit the serene Galilee and the Golan Heights. Other key sites visited on the tour include Haifa, Caesarea, the crusader fortress of Acre, Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to continued unrest we have temporarily suspended this tour in Israel. Reservations are still being accepted for later travel dates. Should the situation continue, we will contact you approximately 8 weeks prior to departure to discuss new dates/cancellation options (though you can be assured of a full refund if we are unable to operate the tour).
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Tel-Aviv
Accommodation Name: Tel Aviv hotel
Meals Included: N/A
After arriving at the airport one of our friendly representatives will welcome you and transport you to your hotel. The day is yours free to either relax or explore the city on your own.
Single Room Supplement, Extra night - pre-tour, Hotel upgrades
Day 2: Masada – The Dead Sea - Jerusalem
Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We set off from Tel Aviv, driving south, passing by the cities of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba, the capital of the Negev Desert.
We continue via Arad to Masada – Israel’s foremost archaeological park and ascend via cable-car for a thorough visit that gives insight to the rituals, politics and culture of the people who inhabited this desert fortress.
We also visit many interesting places today, such as the excavations, Herod’s palaces, the synagogue, bathhouse and cisterns, and enjoy the incredible views of the Roman camps, and the Dead Sea.
After descending to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, we’ll experience floating on its salty waters and taking advantage of the soothing properties of the lakes mineral-rich black mud.
We end the day by passing by the oasis of Ein Gedi and proceeding through the Judean Desert to Jerusalem.
Day 3: Exploring Jerusalem
Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start the tour today at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, then a visit to the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple. We also visit Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established at the foot of Mt. Hertzl in 1953.
Later we will drive to the picturesque village of Ein Karem in the south western outskirts of Jerusalem. According to tradition, this is where John the Baptist was born and the village therefore has great significance in Christian histories.
Our final stop is at Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where we see the Church of the Navitity and Manger Square, before returning to Jerusalem.
Day 4: Jerusalem
Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we go back in time and visit the Old City of Jerusalem. We’ll enter through one of the Gates to the walled Old City to see the Western Wall, and the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount.
We also walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the Stations of the Cross, to Calvary and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses both the traditional site of the Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection.
We also visit Mt. Zion and the tomb of King David, and the Room of the Last Supper just outside the Old City.
From the Mount of Olives we’ll enjoy a spectacular pamoranic view of Jerusalem, the holy city for three of the world’s great religious – Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Another stop is at the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus, before we head into downtown Jerusalem and the largest open market in Israel, Mahane Yehuda, where we can experience the hustle, bustle, flavours and smells of the traders and their stalls.
Day 5: Beit Shean: Nazareth And Safed
Accommodation Name: Tiberias hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave Jerusalem today and drive north passing by Jericho – the oldest city in the world. We’ll travel through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean and visit the excavations of this well-preserved Roman City.
Then it is on to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Christian holy sites, before we proceed to Safed, city of the Kabbalah and a centre of Jewish mysticism where we’ll explore the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony.
Day 6: Sea Of Galilee: Golan Heights: Wine Tasting
Accommodation Name: Tiberias hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We follow the shore of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes, traditional site of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ and Tabgha which is the traditional site of the 'miracle of the loaves and the fish'. There is the option to take a boat trip on teh Sea of Galilee here to enjoy the scenery and tranquillity which has changed little over 2000 years (subject to weather conditions, fee payable locally).
Next we head up into the Golan Heights to enjoy an Israeli wine country experience in vineyards surrounded by endless views. While here, we take a tour, do a wine tasting and learn about the wine production process.
Finally we pass former Syrian fortifications, Druze villages and Banias, the source of the Jordan River before returning to Tiberias for the night.
Day 7: Acre: Haifa: Caesarea & Tel Aviv
Accommodation Name: Tel Aviv hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, the last day of our tour starts off with a drive through the hills of the Galilee, westwards to Acre for a visit of the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications.
We then continue to Haifa, for a panoramic view of the city from Mount Carmel, including the Baha'i Shrine, Persian Garden, and Haifa Bay.
We then head along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to visit the Roman Theater and the Crusader fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”.
We end the day, and the tour, with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa.
Day 8: Israel Tour Ends
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your time in Israel officially comes to an end today. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure back home. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to extend your tour
Extra night - post-tour
What's Included
What's Not Included
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- International Flights (available on request)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for driver & tour leader
- Any other items not mentioned above
Mode of Transport
A/C car/minibus/coach
Accommodation
3 to 4-star hotels
Tel Aviv hotel
Jerusalem hotel
Tiberias hotel
Check out our Q&As
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is common practice in Israel, as a sign of appreciation for services provided. You may therefore wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. GBP 5 / USD 8 per person per day would be appropriate.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The local currency in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). You do not need to arrange to bring any Shekels with you as exchange facilities are available in the international airports and in most hotels, banks and bureau de changes in major towns. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.
While in Israel and the OPT you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in local currency, though tips for guides and drivers may be paid in hard currency (GBP, USD, EUR).
It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 25-35 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks. -
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A
Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics.
More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon
Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using 'black henna' instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna. -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Many nationalities (including UK, European, USA, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African) do not need to obtain a visa to enter Israel as a period as long as your stay is for less than 3 months. Other nationalities should check with their local consulate.
Most of our tours visiting Israel also enter the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). No special visas are required but check points and border posts are operated by the Israeli authorities and access is sometimes limited or restricted.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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